Savannah police have launched an investigation into a string of vehicle thefts that were carried out using valet codes at two prominent downtown hotels.
Valet Code Exploited
On August 5, 2024, a man who claimed to be a professional basketball player used a valet code to walk away with a 2019 Toyota C‑HR from the Fairfield Inn, a vehicle that was later spotted on Dean Forest Road around 7 p.m.
The thefts continued when, on August 13, the same individual allegedly stole an Audi A5 from the Hyatt, only for the car to be recovered the following day after the owner reported it missing; investigators also linked the suspect to a gray 2026 BMW X5, valued at roughly $90,000, which was taken from the Hyatt on the same night.
Authorities say the suspect repeatedly asserted that he owned multiple vehicles and was playing professional basketball, a claim that has complicated efforts to identify him; the BMW was tracked to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where it was last located, prompting a coordinated search with state officials.
In response to the incident, the Hyatt Regency provided immediate assistance to the affected guest, while Savannah police continue to appeal to the public for information that could lead to the suspect’s identification and the recovery of the stolen BMW.